CodeAscent vs Saru
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CodeAscent
This app introduces children as young as three to coding and AI concepts through an engaging space adventure. It features narrated lessons for pre-readers and allows older kids to write simplified Python code. Parents appreciate its ad-free, child-safe environment with robust parental controls.
- Early coding and AI introduction for ages 3+
- Narrated lessons for pre-readers
- Write simplified Python code
- Problem-solving and computational thinking
- 100% ad-free and child-safe
- Parental controls
Read full descriptionHide full description
Most coding apps wait until kids can read. CodeAscent Kids starts at age 3—and grows with them all the way to writing real Python. Your child becomes a pilot, flying a jet across the galaxy with Py the snake as their co-pilot. Every mission teaches a real coding or AI concept through play—and because every lesson is narrated aloud, even pre-readers can dive in. From the makers of CodeAscent, the Python learning app for teens and adults—now reimagined for your youngest learners. TWO ADVENTURES THAT GROW WITH YOUR CHILD • Little Pilots (ages 3–6): tap and drag to learn sequencing, loops, and the basics of how AI thinks—no reading required. • Code Cadets (ages 6+): write real, simplified Python in a kid-friendly code editor, then explore how AI actually works. WHAT THEY'LL LEARN • Real Python concepts: commands, sequences, loops, variables, conditions, functions • AI basics: patterns, training, and prediction—explained for curious young minds • Problem-solving and computational thinking, disguised as a space adventure WHY PARENTS TRUST IT • 100% ad-free and child-safe • Every lesson read aloud by a warm, friendly voice • Parental controls behind a grown-ups-only gate • No data selling, ever Start free, then unlock the full 40+ mission journey with a 7-day free trial. Subscriptions: Annual or Monthly. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple ID settings. Terms of Use: https://www.codeascent.online/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.codeascent.online/privacy
Saru
Read full descriptionHide full description
Learn Japanese without paying subscriptions for the rest of your life. Saru is the definitive Japanese vocabulary app for learners who take the language seriously. One-time payment of $4.99. Yours forever. WHY SARU ONE-TIME PAYMENT, NO SUBSCRIPTIONS Buy Saru Pro once and unlock all content forever. No auto-renewals. No surprise charges on your card. ENGLISH AND SPANISH Study in the language you prefer. Switch anytime from settings. Without losing progress. ORGANIZED BY JLPT Vocabulary structured by the 5 official Japanese proficiency exam levels: N5 beginner, N4 elementary, N3 intermediate, N2 advanced, N1 expert. Over 10,000 carefully selected words. 6 GRAMMAR CATEGORIES Verbs, nouns, な-adjectives, い-adjectives, adverbs and katakana. Study by category based on what you need to reinforce. VERB FORM PRACTICE Practice every verb in dictionary, masu, ta or te form. Few apps do this. Saru does it right. NATIVE PRONUNCIATION AUDIO Hear how each word sounds before answering. Train your ear alongside vocabulary. WORKS OFFLINE Study on the subway, on a flight, or anywhere. Fully offline, no internet needed. PROGRESS TRACKING Track your progress by accuracy. NO ACCOUNTS, NO ADS Start studying the second you open the app. No signup, no popups, no distractions. WHO SARU IS FOR - University or Japanese course students - People preparing for the JLPT exam - Anime and manga fans who want to understand the language - Travelers heading to Japan - Intermediate learners outgrowing Duolingo DON'T KNOW WHAT JLPT IS? The JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) is the most recognized official Japanese exam in the world. It has 5 levels: N5 (beginner) to N1 (expert). Even if you don't plan to take the exam, it works as a clear roadmap to learn vocabulary in a structured way. FREE CONTENT The full JLPT N5 level is available for free. Start with over 800 beginner words at no cost. When you're ready, unlock the other levels with Saru Pro. SARU PRO $4.99 ONE-TIME - All JLPT levels (N4 to N1) - Unlimited lessons in every category - No renewals, no subscriptions - One purchase, yours forever PRIVACY Saru doesn't collect personal data. No signup required. We don't use advertising or tracking inside the app. Your progress lives on your iPhone. CONTACT Questions, suggestions, or bug reports? Email us at hello@sarujp.com. We answer. Learn Japanese at your own pace. No streak pressure. No aggressive notifications. 頑張ってください!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: CodeAscent at every 4 days against Saru's every 4 months. CodeAscent also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. CodeAscent sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Saru sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
CodeAscent ships an update every 4 days, Saru every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | CodeAscent | Saru |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 214 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Londi Tangu | Thomas Cubillos |
In-app purchases
CodeAscent
- Monthly Pro$7.991 Month
- Pro Monthly$7.991 Month
- Annual Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Annual Plan — 7-Day Free Trial7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Saru
- Saru Pro$4.99









